Loop sectionalizing system



Oct. 6, 1964 J. A. PuLsFoRD 3,152,284

LOOP SECTIONALIZING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 22, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 6, 1964 J. A. PuLsFoRn 3,152,284

LooP -sEcTIoNALIzING SYSTEM Filed sept. 22. 1960 v sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR. J/Mmr 4. ,an .Vara

Oct- 6', 1964 J. A. PuLsFoRn 3,152,284

LOOP SECTIONALIZING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 22; 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. J/Vff A. #MJ/fafa Oct. 6, 1964 J, A. PULSFORD 3,152,284

LOOP SECTIONALIZING SYSTEM Filed Sept. 22, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 ETCE. 5.

gi Llm Oct. 6, 1964 J. A` PuLsFoRD 3,152,284

'. Loo? sEcnoNALIziNG SYSTEM Filed Sept. 22, 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 ...IEE- 5A..

Oct. 6, 1964 J. A. PULsFoRD ,3,152234 Looxa sEcTIoNALIzING sys'rsu Filed sept, 22, leo rr sheets-sheet 'r United States Patent O mismas LUP SECTINAMZING SYSTEM James A. Pittsford, Short Hiiis iJiiliage Apts., 97 Forest Drive, Springtieid, NJ. Filled Sept. 2.2, 196i?, Ser. No. 57,679 '7 creams. (ci. S17-22) This invention relates to electric power distribution systems and more particularly to a novel automatic loop sectionalizing system by means of which a fault occurring on any section of an open loop distribution circuit is automatically isolated and service restored to all unfaulted sections of the circuit. In electric distribution systems, especially in rural areas, circuit interrupters of the automatic reclosing type are often employed. When a circuit breaker of this type is subjected to a fault current the breaker opens and thereafter goes through one or more sequenced closing operations in accordance with conditions prevailing. lr the fault condition persists, after the closing sequence is complete the circuit breaker will be locked open, but if the fault has cleared during the sequence interval the circuit breaker remains closed.

Thus, if a persisting fault occurs close to the power station, those sections of the distribution system more remote from the power station than the locked open recloser will be without power. Since most faults are the result of a localized condition, it this condition can be isolated the remainder of the system can be safely energized.

The prior art has sought to provide means for isolating a faulted section of line while restoring service to the remainder of the system. The prior art devices require fault sensing equipment which includes diiierential relays or semi-conductor devices operating on a phase comparison basis or by means of oscillation detection. These systems are costly to install, require extensive maintenance, and cannot be reliably operated under a wide range of differing climatic conditions.

Accordingly, this invention provides an automatic loop sectionalizing system utilizing automatic reclosers to isolate the faulted section of line. In essence, the system contemplated by this invention comprises two or more bus sections, or electric circuits, fed from separate sources of electrical energy. The ends of the buses remote from the energizing are connected to normaliy open automatic tie reclosers which, when closed, connect one of the circuits in electrical series with one or more of the other circuits. A plurality of automatic reclosers each having dual tripping characteristics are provided between the ends of each bus and are connected so as to divide each bus into a plurality of sections.

By dual tripping characteristics it is meant that the recloser is provided with normal tripping characteristics and alternate tripping characteristics. The normal tripping characteristics are of a type well known to the art whereby the reclosers associated with each bus are arranged for sequential tripping in a manner such that the recloser most remote from the energizing source will trip after the shortest time delay and/ or with the lowest magnitude of fault current flowing therethrough. The alternate tripping characteristics are such that the reclosers of one bus section coordinate with the reclosers of other bus sections as well as with the tie circuit breakers, when a tie circuit breaker is closed, for sequential tripping whereby the recloser most remote from the energizing source trips after the shortest time delay. if any recloser in a bus section remains open for a suiicient period of time, the other reclosers in that section more remote from the energizing source than the open recloser have the tripping time characteristics thereof automatically shifted to alternate tripping characteristics and the normally open tie recloser is automatically closed.

3,152,284 Patented Oct. 6, 1964 The means for shifting a recloser from a normal to an alternate tripping characteristic comprises a device held in a ready position when energized. Upon de-energization a biasing spring acting against a time delay mechanism moves an operating link Ito a position in which the recloser is set to an alternate tripping characteristic.

Perhaps the most simple form of alternate tripping characteristic is that in which the recloser automatically locks open after a single tripping operation. For this arrangement, the operating link is tied to a safety lockout lever of a type described in U.S. Patent No. 2,843,699 to D. L. Leatherberry.

The tie recloser is normally in a position wherein the safety lockout lever has been activated and the recloser locked in the open position. The loss of voltage sensing means is arranged to deactivate the safety lockout lever so that the recloser Will automatically reclose.

ln addition to utilizing the safety lockout feature as a means for establishing an alternate tripping characteristic, the recloser may be equipped with dual control coils, dual control switches, dual timing devices and integrators of two sets of miscellaneous parts. In eect this type of recloser is comprised of two reclosers having individually adjustable time-current characteristics and sequences. Selection of operation under the normal or alternate tripping characteristic is accomplished by a rating selector switch operable by the operating link of the loss ot voltage sensing device previously described.

Another means for providing an alternate tripping characteristic is to provide a device which introduces additional retarding leaf springs in association with the recloser control solenoid. Still another method is to selectively decrease the ampere turns of the recloser solenoid coil. Yet another method is to provide means for altering the reluctance of the control solenoid iron circuit. A further method is to provide means for shifting the position of the control element of a needle valve to alter the time delay in a pneumatic or hydraulic system.

A still further method is to provide a clutch means to shift the mechanism for operation in cooperation with restraining springs having different characteristics. A still further method is to provide means for adding or subtracting a timer mechanism iiywheel.

Accordingly, a. primary object of this invention is to provide a novel loop sectionalizing system employing multiple power sources whereby a faulted line section is automatically rie-energized and service restored to the remaining portion of the line.

Another object is to provide a novel loop-sectionalizing system utiiizing automatic reclosers.

Still another object is to provide a loop-sectionalizing system utilizing automatic reclosers having muitiple tripping characteristics.

Still another object is to provide a system wherein two or more bus sections are energized by separate sources and are connectable to each other by means of normally open reclosers with each bus section sectionalized by including at least two reclosers having normal tripping time characteristics such that the recloser most remote from the power source is provided with the shortest normal tripping time and the longest alternate tripping time, whereby all of the serially connected reclosers are always properly sequenced.

The foregoing objects as Well as other objects of this invention shall become readily apparent after reading the following description of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a schematic diagram of a type of automatic recloser utilized for the subject invention.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustrating a loop sectionalizing arrangement in which the power line or energized bus is divided into tour sections.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustrating a loop sectionalizing arrangement in which the power line or energized bus is divided into six sections.

FIGURES 4 and 4A are schematics illustrating a sequence changing device actuated in response to a loss of voltage for changing the recloser from its normal tripping characteristic to an alternate tripping character'- istic. With the device in the position of FIGURE 4, the recloser is operable in accordance with its normal tripping characteristic, whereas with the device in the position of FIGURE 4A, the recloser is set for operation with its alternate tripping characteristic.

FIGURES 5 and 5A are schematics illustrating a modilication of the device of FIGURES 4 and 4A. T he device of FIGURES 5 and 5A is utilized for operating the tie recloser to a closed position upon a loss of voltage. With the device in the position o FlGURE 5, the tie recloser is locked open, and with the device in the position of FIGURE 5A, the tie recloser is conditioned for operation through a reclosing sequence.

FIGURES 6 through 11 are schematics illustrating means for providing reclosers with dual tripping characteristics. In the device of FIGURE 6, this is achieved by providing two timing mechanisms and two integrators as well as two sets of operating controls for an individual recloser. ln the devices of FGURES 7 and 8, means are provided for altering the spring resistance of the time bar. ln FIGURE 7, a dual time bar is provided, while in FIGURE 8, a single time bar is utilized. In FIGURES 9 and l0, timer operation is modified by changing the reluctance of the iron circuit and by changing the ampere turns of the magnet, respectively. FIGURE ll, the timer speed is changed by altering the flywheel thereof.

Now referring more particularly to FIGURE l, which shows a typical recloser of the type illustrated in US. Patents 2,693,514 and 2,738,394. Recloser i9 comprises terminal itil connected to magnet winding il. Winding lll is connected to the parallel combination or" magnet winding l2 and contact assembly T13, this parallel combination then being connected in series with movable contact i4 which is movable in an open and closed position with respect to cooperating contact l. During normal operation, current proceeds from terminal lil through the magnet winding lill', Contact i3 (which is closed under normal conditions), movable Contact ld and terminal 16.

Upon the occurrence of an overload, magnet winding ll will be energized beyond a predetermined value and in some desired manner, this overenergization will cause contact disengagement of the contacts i3 so as to force current how through the winding l2. Winding i2, however, is so constructed to cause the movable Contact 1,4 to move to a disengaged position with respect to contact l5 upon energization thereof so as to eiect disengagement of the contacts.

After the arc between separated contacts and l5 is interrupted, winding ll is de-energized and contact "i3 immediately closes. A timing mechanism, which is here merely illustrated as the box i7 and may oe seen in more detail in conjunction with the above noted US. Patents 2,693,514 and 2,738,394, will allow a re-engagcment between the recloser contacts.

In the event that the fault condition is still on the line, magnet winding il will again be energized beyond its predetermined value so as to cause control Contact i3 to reopen to thereby cause re-energization of coil l2 and a reopening of the contact i4.

This sequence is then continued for a predetermined number of times under a continuing fault condition until the timing mechanism i7 will lock the control contact I3 and the contacts i4 and l5 in a predetermined position.

Contact i4 is movable to disengaged position by manually operable means i9. If it is desired that the cyclic operation of contacts i4, l5 to their open position responsive to fault conditions be defeatable, lever I3' of safety lockout device i7 is appropriately positioned. The construction of device ll' is described in detail in U.S. Patent 2,843,699. With the lockout lever ld activated, the reclosing contacts i4, l5 will be maintained in open position upon their first movement thereto.

Loop S ecz'onnlizilzg Arrangements In FIGURE 2, there is illustrated a power distribution system utilizing reclosers of the type illustrated in FIG- URE l, appropriately modiled, as will be hereinafter eX- plained. The distribution system is energized from separate voltage sources Ztl, 2l.

Source Ztl normally feeds a bus divided into two sections, Zilfz and Ztlb. Similarly, source 2li normally feeds a bus divided into two sections, 2id and 2lb. One end of bus section 2tlg is connected through recloser 22e to source 2t?, while the other end of bus section 2da is connected 4through recloser 23a to one end of bus section Zb. The other end of bus section Ztlb is connected through tie recloser Z5 to bus section 2lb. Bus sections Zia, 2lb are connected by recloser 23h, with bus section Zia being connected to source 2li through recloser ZZb.

With the distribution system operating normally, tie recloser 2d is open and the other reclosers 22a, 2lb, 23a, 23h, are closed and are connected for operation under a normal tripping time characteristic, which is typical of reclosers .vell known to the art. rl`he number of automatic reclosing operations and the time delay for the tripping operations are set forth below each of the reclosers illustrated in FIGURE 2.

Reclosers 23a, 23h and tie recloser 2S are each provided with a device, whose construction shall be hereinafter explained, which, acting in response to a loss of volttage on the source side or" the respective reclosers, will cause the recloser mechanism to shi for operation under an alternate tripping time characteristic. The alternate tripping time characteristics of the reclosers are set forth in FlGURE 2 below the respective reclosers.

If a fault occurs at bus section 21a, recloser 22h goes through its normal tripping sequence and locks out so that service is lost from recloser Z2!) to tie recloser 25. After lockout of recloser 22!) and a suitable time delay, as will be hereinafter explained, means associated with recloser 2.31) senses the loss of voltage on the source side thereof, causing the lockout lever of recloser 23h to be activated, as will be hereinafter explained. Recloser 231) is now set for one instantaneous trip and lockout.

t the same time, means associated with tie recloser 25 also senses a loss of voltage and, after a suitable time delay, tie recloser 25 also closes. Now there is a complete circuit from source 29 to the fault at bus section 2in. This causes recloser 23E; to trip instantaneously and operate to lockout. Tie recloser 25 and reclosers 22a, 23a may also trip instantaneously, but will reclose on non-faulted portions ot the distribution system, so that reclosers 25S, 22a, 23a will remain closed after reclosing, thereby restoring service to all of the bus sectionn 29a, 2Gb, and 2lb, between source 2t? and recloser 231;.

Should a fault occur at bus section 2lb, recloser 2.311 goes through its normal reclosing sequence to lockout. Tie recloser 25 closes after a time delay and thereafter goes through its reclosing sequence and iinally locks out, thereby isolating the fault between tie recloser 25 and recloser 23h.

For restoration to normal operation after repairing a faulted condition at bus section Zia, recloser 2212 is closed. The safety lockout lever of recloser 23h is manually reset to return recloser 23!) for operation under its normal tripping time characteristic. Recloser 23h is then closed. The safety lockout lever of tie recloser 25 is reset and tie recloser 25 is opened, so that all of the reclosers are now in their normal positions and operating under their normal tripping time characteristics. Similar operations are required for restoration of service after a fault occurs on any of the other sections of bus.

In FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a power distribution system loop sectionalizing arrangement which is an eX- tension of the sectionalizing arrangement previously described in connection with FIGURE 2. ln the system of FIGURE 3, two voltage sources, Titi, 3l, energize two ections of bus which are connected by normally open tie recloser 32. Source 3l) normally energizes bus sections 33e-33C, while source 31 normally energizes bus sections 34a-313C.

Reclosers 35a, 35h connect bus sections 33a, 34a, respectively, to voltage sources 3u, Si, respectively. Reclosers 35m, Sieb connect bus sections 33a, 33b and 34a, Srila, respectively, in electrical series. Reclosers 37a, 37b connect bus sections 33]), 33C and Sdb, 34e, respectively, in electrical series. The time delay intervals for normal and alternate tripping characteristic operations are indicated below the respective reclosers in FIGURE 3.

When a fault occurs at bus section 34]), the sequence ot operation is as follows:

(l) Recloser sob opens after ve units of time.

(2) Recloser 37b, sensing a loss of voltage on its line side, shifts tor operation to its alternate tripping characteristic time setting of two units orn time.

(3) After seven units of time, tie circuit breaker 32 closes.

(4) After two additional units ot time, recloser 37b opens, thereby isolating bus section Sli-b and restoring service to all remaining sections of bus.

It is obvious that through a similar sequence of operations, faults at any other location of the distribution system will be similarly isolated. The two radial sections left in service after the aulted section has been isolated will still be selectively protected until the reclosers are restored to operation with their normal tripping time characteristics.

For the systems illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, it is to be noted that for normal tripping characteristic operation `those reclosers more remote from the tie recloser are provided with longer time delays, After a fault has been isolated, the tie recloser is coordinated with those reclosers operating with an alternate time characteristic as well as those reclosers associated with the non-faulted bus, whereby sequential operation as to time and/ or magnitude of fault current is still maintained.

Sequence Changing Device In the loop sectionalizing system hereinbefore described, automatic reclosers are utilized to isolate the faulted bus sections. A number of these reclosers are provided with means for changing their operation from a normal-tripping-time characteristic to an alternatetripping-time characteristic, responsive to an indication that there is a loss of voltage on the line side of the respective recloser. The sequence changing device 40 for a normally closed recloser is illustrated in FIGURES l and 4A.

Device itl comprises operating solenoid lll, energized through the secondary winding l2 of potential transformer 43, whose primary winding 4d is connected from ground to the bus on the source side of the associated recloser. When voltage is present on the source side ol:` the recloser, solenoid il is energized causing the solenoid plunger to be maintained in its raised position of FIG- URE 4 against the biasing action of spring 46.

Spring 46 is connected to the lower end of plunger 45 while the upper end of plunger i5 is connected at d'7 to link 48 at a point intermediate the ends thereof. One end of link i3 is mounted to stationary pivot 59, while the other end has pivotally mounted thereto pawl Si), which is biased by spring 51 into operative engagement with gear 52 of timing mechanism '53. Mechanism 53 is of a construction well known to the art to provide a retarding influence to downward movement of plunger 45.

Cil

With solenoid il deenergized, spring en acts to move plunger l5 downward. This downward movement, however, is delayed through the engagement of pawl S0 with the timing mechanism gear 52. After a predetermined interval of time determined by the retarding intluence of timing mechanism 53, plunger extension 54 strikes one arm of crank S5 causing rotation thereof in clockwise direction about lis-:ed pivot 56 from the position of FIGURE 4 to the position of FIGURE 4A. This causes link 57, whose upper end is tied to the other arm of crank 55 to move vertically upward.

The lower end of link 57 carries latch roller 53 which is disposed within depression titl of latch mem-ber 59 when link 57 is in its lowermost position of FIGURE 4. Latch member S9 is pivotally mounted to lixed pivot @El and is connected to arms 62, d3 in a manner such that these arms d2, d3 and latch member 59 pivot in unison about til. When latch roller 5S is moved out of depression ed, spring d4, acting downwardly, causes arm 62. to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 61.

Vertically positioned operating link e5 is connected at its lower end ed to arm 62 near the free end thereof. The upper end of link da" is connected at 67 to the safety lockout lever 68 or other suitable member of a recloser, as will be hereinafter explained. Thus, when arm d2 moves counterclockwise from its position of FIGURE 4 to its position of FIGURE 4A, operating link d5 is caused to move downward.

As fully explained in US. Patent 2,843,699, when the safety-lockout lever of a recloser is activated, upon subsequent tripping of the recloser the recloser will not go through a series of timed opening and closing operations. With operating link in the lowered position of FIGURE 4A, the recloser safety-lockout lever is activated.

Timing mechanism 53 is provided to impose a time delay between the loss of voltage and the change of sequence trom normal to alternate tripping characteristic operation, This time delay enables the recloser to maintain normal sequence for temporary loss of voltage, such as an open interval between the instantaneous and timedelay trips of associated reclosers. Restoration of voltage before completion of the time delay period imposed by mechanism 53 automatically restores the timing mechanism to the ready position of FlGURE 4.

An auxiliary switch comprising cooperating contacts 72;, 73 is provided and connected as shown for disconnecting solenoid il until the associated recloser is reset. A similar switch may be provided for signalling purposes. Auxiliary switch contact 72 is carried on one arm of crank 6u, which is pivoted at point 70. Spring 7l, acting upony crank 69 urging same in a counterclockwise direction, biases Contact 72 toward engagement with contact 73. With operating link o5 in its lowered position, arm d3 engages crank 6%, rotating same in a clockwise direction against the force of spring 7l, causing Contact 72 to part from contact 73. Contacts 72, 73, when parted, will open the series circuit between solenoid 4l and the transformer secondary d2.

Device itl is reset when the recloser safety lockout lever d8 is moved to the inactive position. This is usually accomplished manually by a hook stick or similar device7 or automatically by a suitable recloser attachment. Moving safety lockout lever d@ to the inactive position of FIGURE 8 restores the associated recloser for operation under its normal tripping time characteristic and also permits the recloser to close.

FIGURES 5 and 5A illustrate a device 7l) for permitting the closing of a tie circuit recloser upon a loss of voltage at any section of the connected buses. Device 7i) includes potential transformers 7l, 72, whose primaries 73, 74, respectively, are connected to individual terminals of the tie recloser. This secondary 75 of transformer 72 energizes auxiliary solenoid 76, whose plunger 77 carries bridging contact 7S ot switch 79. Switch 79 is connected il in circuit between solenoid Si? and its energizing means comprising secondary bl of transformer 7l,

Solenoid plunger S2 is biased downwardly by spring S3 and the upper end or plunger @Z is connected at 8d to link S5 intermediate the ends thereof. 0n@ end of link $5 is mounted to tired pivot tli and the other end is connected at t?? to pawl dit. Spring S9, connected between arm S5 and pawl 8S, biases the latter into operative engagement with gear gil of timing mechanism till. Plunger extension 92 is positioned to engage and thereby rotate crank 93 clockwise about its pivot @d upon downward movement of plunger b2.

Crank Xi is biased in a counterclockwise direction by spring @5, so that latch arm is normally in the down position of FIGURE 5, wherein latch roller l' is disposed within depression of latch member 99, which is pivotally mounted at Arms lill and lit@ are also mounted to pivot lb@ and are connected to latch member 93 so that all three elements, 99, lill, to2 pivot in unison. Spring li biases arm in a clockwise direction, thereby biasing operating link lil@ secured tothe free end of arm l5?. in an upward direction. EOperating link lfd/i is connected to the recloser safety lockout lever M5.

When arm M2 is rotated to its most clockwise position against stop litio, arm lill engages crank lill?, pivoted at ibid, and moves same in a countercloc "se direction against the force of biasing spring M9. Crank lil? carries contact liti of auxiliary switch lill, which is serially connected between solenoid winding and switch 755 so that opening of switch lll is effective to open the energizing circuit for solenoid With operating link lod in its downward position of FIGURE 5, the recloser safety lockout lever maintains the tie recloser locked Open, and upon movement of safety lockout lever ltlS to its position of FlGURE 5A, the tie recloser is closed and set for operation through a normal sequence. Thus it is seen that if potential transformer "ill is deenergized, solenoid Si? is directly deenergized and if potential transformer 72 is deenergized, auxiliary solenoid "i6 is directly deenergized, which opens switch 79 to deenergize solenoid titl.

The timing mechanism @l is so constructed that the downward movement of plunger SZ, upon deenergization of solenoid bil, is retarded notwithstanding the biasing aC- tion of spring 83. When latch roller 97' is iinally removed from depression 9b, spring operates link M4 rom the position of FIGURE 5 to the position of FGURE 5A. This permits arm lill to Open switch lll so that upon subsequent restoration of power to transformers 7l, 72, solenoid 8d will remain deenergized.

Dual Tripping T'ze Characteristic Devices FGURE 6 illustrates a rst embodiment of an automatic recloser l2@ having dual tripping time characteristics. Recloser l2@ is comprised of casing Till having insulator bushings E22, lll?) extending upwardly from the top thereof. Terminal 3124 is connected through conductor and normally closed main contacter lZi to one end of operating coil 1127. The other end of coil i227 is connected through conductor to switch 129.

Conductor 13@ connects switch terminal i129 to terminal ll3l of switch 132 whose other terminal E33 is connected through conductor i3d to coil tap 33S. Conductor connects switch terminal ivl to the lower end of coil 127.

Recloser 12) further includes two totally independent timer-integrators l3'7, 13S, each of a conventional design well known to the automatic recloser art. Timerdntegrators 137', 38 are associated with control coils 139, Mil, respectively. The bridging contacts of switches T129, lr32 are carried by the plungers of coils Pb, ldd, respectively, so that upon energization of these respective coils their associated switches 129, 132. will be opened.

Coils 139, ldd are connected to terminals Al, E42, respectively, of switch M3. Switch arm ldd is pivoted at CII CTI

terminal so as to be movable between terminals Ml, 142. Conductor Mb connects switch terminal 14S to recloser terminal 147.

Switch arm ldd is connected through links M8, lll@ and 15d to a suitable operating device such as the device illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 4A. The free end of link 15) may be connected to the upper end of operating link 65 of FGURES 4 and 4A. Link l5@ is mounted to stationary pivot ll, having link lll@ mounted thereon. Links 149, l5@ are rigidly secured thereto for operation in unison about pivot llSl. Thus, when link l5@ is rotated in a counterclockwise direction through the upward movement of operating link 65, switch arm will be moved from its solid line position of FGURE 6 to the dotted line position thereof.

ln the dotted line position of switch arm ldd in FIG- URE 6, control coil 139 is energized, so that recloser lib is set for Operation, controlled by timer-integrator l3'. When recloser l2@ is operating through the control of timer-integrator i3?, it is said that recloser lf2@ is operating under its normal tripping time characteristic. When switch arm lddis in the solid line position of FlGURE 6, control coil Mtl is energized and recloser lib is operating under the control of timer-integrator i3d. When recloser l2@ is thus operated, it is said to be operating under an alternate tripping time characteristic. ri`hat is, the characteristic operation dictated by timer-integrator E37 differs from the characteristic imparted by timer-integrator BS.

FGURES 7 and 8 illustrate other embodiments Of this invention directed to devices whereby the operation of a recloser may readily be changed from its normal tripping time characteristic to an alternate tripping time characteristic. In the aforesaid US. Patent 2,738,394, the device illustrated includes means for achieving time delayed tripping. The delay is imposed by a so-called time bar, which is a pivoted member carrying a plurality of adjusting screws. The screws are engageable with individual leaf springs. rthe greater the number of springs engaged by the time bar screws, the greater will be the retarding force acting upon the movable armature of a magnet energizable by fault current owing through the recloser.

Now referring more particularly to FGURE 7. Movable armature l5@ is keyed to shaft Lidl, having hook extension i532 also keyed thereto. rl`he hook i553 of extension i552 is in engagement with rod ldd of a suitable time delaying escapement mechanism. Shaft )251 is mounted to central clutch member E55 so as to be movable thereby into engagement with and cluch members 15de, l55b. End clutch member la is provided with a plurality of leaf springs iSd-ld mounted thereto. FiXedly mounted time bar l5@ is operatively positioned above springs E56-E58 and is provided with plurality of adjusting screws, lod-E52, whose tips are engageable by springs ld-158, respectively.

With shaft 151 connected to end clutch member 155a, when the magnet associated with armature l5@ is sufliciently energized to attract armature l5@ thereto, springs 15d-l5@ will impose forces which must be overcome in moving armature 150. These forces are not available to move members 15d` of the timing mechanism, so that tripping is delayed.The time delay interval is adjustable by adjusting the positions of screws lod-lidi relative to their associated leaf springs 15d-158.

Another time bar M9, having a plurality of adjusting screws Htl-172, is operatively positioned so that the tips of screws 17d-172 are engageable with leaf springs 173- 17:3, respectively, carried by end clutch member lib.

A suitable switching arrangement, 176, which includes links 177-179, is provided to selectively move central clutch member 155 and thereby operatively connect shaft 151 to one or the other of the outer clutch members lSlTa, i551).

The settings of adjusting screws loll-162 are different from the settings of screws E70-i272 with respect to their associated leaf springs and, in addition, the stiness of springs e-53 may diiier from the stifrness of springs 173-175. Thus, different magnitudes of retarding forces act upon armature 150, depending upon the position of clutch member 155.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 8, a single time bar 2d@ is utilized. Time bar 200 is pivoted at one end upon stationary pivot 2M. One end of vertical link 202 is connected to time bar 2MB while the other end of link 202 is connected to crank 203, pivotally mounted at 204 and connected to operating link 65 of operating characteristic changer 40.

Adjusting screws 295-209 are mounted to time bar 200 and are operatively positioned for engagement by leaf springs 21S-M9, respectively. Leaf springs 21S- 2l9 are mounted to bracket 214 Xedly mounted to rotatable shaft 2i3, which also has iXedly mounted thereto armature 212 and arm 2li. Hook 21d at the upper end of arm 211i is engageable with timer lever 299.

When control coil 22@ associated with magnet 221 is sufficiently energized the ilux generated thereby will attract armature 2l2, causing pivoting thereof in a counterclockwise direction with respect to pivot 213. This causes springs 21S-2@ to engage adjusting screws 2052 2G59, respectively, as armature 22 travels through its full range of movement. When time bar 260 is pivoted counterclockwise about pivot 201i to a raised position through the upward movement of link 202, caused by the downward movement of link 65, then only springs M8, 2@ engage their associated adjusting screws 208, 209, respectively, as armature 2F12 travels through its full range of movement. Thus, it is seen that with time bar in the raised position, a lesser retarding force will be exerted upon armature 212 than is exerted thereon when time bar 200 is in its lowered position of FIG- URE 8.

In the embodiment of FlGURE 9, a device 230, similar in construction to sequence changer 4t), operates through links 231, 232 to change the position of auxiliary armature 233 associated with control magnet 234. When link 232 is moved to the left with respect to FlG- URE 9, auxiliary armature 233 moves toward magnet 234, thereby reducing the reluctance of the magnetic path and increasing the magnetic forces acting upon main armature 235, thereby increasing timer speed and decreasing the time delay interval.

In the embodiment of FGURE 10, the sequence changing device 240, acting through links 241, 242, operates switch arm 243, which is pivoted about contact 2M, into and out of engagement with contact 24S. With switch arm 243 in engagement with contact 24S, a considerable portion of the control magnet energizing coil 246 will be shorted. This is the condition prevailing when the recloser is operating with a normal tripping time characteristic. When switch arm 243 separates from contact 245, the number of ampere turns energizing the control magnet is increased, thus increasing the timer speed and decreasing the time delay interval.

In the device of FIGURE 11, sequence changer 250 acts through links 251, 252 to selectively change the position of clutch 253, so that one or both of the timer ilywheels 256i, 255 drive the timing mechanism 256 toward runout.y

Thus, this invention provides a simplified, relatively inexpensive arrangement for isolating a faulted section of a power distribution system. The arrangement utilizes circuit breakers of the automatic reclosing type, slightly modified so that they operate selectively with a normal tripping time characteristic or on alternate tripping time characteristic.

While the speciiic structures hereinbefore described have been limited to two circuits and to automatic reclosers having dual tripping characteristics, it is readily seen by those skilled in the art that this invention also contemplates a loop sectionalizing system havingT more than two circuits and automatic reclosers having more than two tripping characteristics automatically selectable in accordance with circuit conditions. In addition, it is also readily seen by those skilled in the art that switching of the recloser for operation under its alternate characteristic need not be limited to operation by a loss of voltage electrical device but switching may also be carried out by mechanical linkages.

At this time it is noted that the precise structure hereinbefore described is not entirely my contribution. That is, the precise structural details of the devices illustrated in FIGURES 4-11 were contributed by others. My invention is concerned with the broad concept of utilizing automatic reclosers in a novel loop sectionalizing system.

Although there has been described preferred embodiments of this invention, many variations and modifications will now be evident to those skilled in the art and, therefore, the scope of this invention is to be limited not by the specific disclosure herein detailed, but only by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A loop sectionalizing arrangement comprising at least a nrst and a second group of serially connected circuit breakers; a normally open circuit interrupter having means for serially connecting said groups when closed; each of said circuit breakers having iirst and second tripping means, said first tripping means having a normal tripping characteristic and said second tripping means having an alternate tripping characteristic; said normal tripping characteristics of those circuit breakers of each group located closer to said circuit interrupter having shorter tripping times than those circuit breakers within the same group located more remote from said circuit interrupter; said circuit interrupter including further means for the automatic closing thereof upon a loss of voltage in said arrangements due to the tripping of one of said circuit breakers; and means associated with each circuit breaker being responsive to predetermined circuit conditions of said arrangement for shifting for operation to their alternate tripping time characteristics, those of said circuit breakers located between said tripped one of said circuit breakers and said circuit interrupter, said circuit interrupter having a tripping characteristic such that the tripping time of said circuit interrupter is shorter than the normal tripping times and longer than the alternate tripping times of said circuit breakers, said alternate tripping characteristics being such that within each of said groups the alternate tripping times of those circuit breakers closer to said circuit interrupter are longer than the alternate tripping times of those circuit breakers located more remote from said circuit interrupter.

2. A loop sectionalizing arrangement comprising at least a irst and a second group of serially connected circuit breakers; a normally open circuit interrupter having means for serially connecting said groups when closed; each of said circuit breakers having tirst and second tripping means, said irst tripping means having a normal tripping characteristic and said second tripping means having an alternate tripping characteristic; said normal tripping characteristics of those circuit breakers of each group located closer to said circuit interrupter having shorter tripping times than those circuit breakers within the same group located more remote from said circuit interrupter; said circuit interrupter including iurther means for the automatic closing thereof upon a loss of voltage in said arrangements due to the tripping of one of said circuit breakers; and means associated with each circuit breaker being responsive to predetermined circuit conditions of said arrangement for shifting for operation to their alternate tripping time characteristics, those of said circuit breakers located between said tripped one of said circuit breakers and said circuit interrupter, said circuit interrupter having a tripping characteristic such that the tripping time of said circuit interrupter is shorter than the normal tripping times and longer than alsaae il ii the alternate tripping times of said circuit breakers, said alternate tripping characteristics being such that within each of said groups the alternate tripping times of those circuit breakers closer to said circuit interrupter are longer than the alternate tripping times of those circuit breakers located more remote from said circuit interrupter; said circuit interrupter and said circuit breaker being ot the automatic reclosing type.

3. In a loop sectionalizing arrangement comprising at least a tirst and a second source of electrical energy, a first and a second bus each being connect-ed at a first end thereof to said tirst and said second sources, respectively, a normally open tie circuit breaker having means which when closed connects said first and said second buses in series, a first group of circuit interrupters dividing said first bus into a plurality of sections, and a second group of circuit interrupters dividing said second bus into a plurality of sections, each of said circuit interrupters of said first and said second groups having tirst and second tripping means; said first means having a normal and said second means having an alternate tripping time characteristic, said normal tripping time characteristic of said circuit interrupters being selected so that Within each of said groups those interrupters closer to said tie circuit breaker have shorter tripping times than those interrupters with the same group more remote from said tie circuit breaker, means responsive to a loss of voltage in said arrangement tor closing said tie circuit breaker due to tripping of one of said circuit interrupters within said iirst group, means associated with each of said circuit interrupters and being responsive to a predetermined circuit condition in said arrangement for shitting to alternate tripping characteristics those ot said circuit interrupters located between said tripped one of said circuit interrupters and said tie circuit breaker, said tie circuit breaker having a tripping characteristic so related to the normal tripping characteristics of said second group of circuit interrupters and said alternate tripping characterstics of those of said shifted circuit interrupters such that tripping of circuit interrupters closer to Said second source will occur with a longer time delay than wiil tripping of circuit interrupters closer to said tripped one of said circuit interrupters and located on the second source side thereof.

4. ln a loop sectionalizing arrangement comprising at least a first and a second source of electrical energy, a iirst and a second bus each being connected at a rst end thereof to said first and said second sources, respectively, a normally open tie circuit breaker having means which when closed connects said first and said second buses in series, a first group of circuit interrupters dividing said first bus into a plurality of sections, and a second group of circuit interrupters dividing said second bus into a plurality of sections, each of said circuit interrupters of said first and said second groups having first and second tripping means; said first means having a normal and said second means having an alternate tripping time characteristic, said normal tripping time characteristics of said circuit interrupters being selected so that wit in each ot said groups those interrupters closer to said tie circuit breaker have shorter tripping times than those interrupters with the same group more remote from said tie circuit breaker, means responsive to a loss of voltage in said arrangement for closing said tie circuit breaker due to tripping of one of said circuit interrupters within said first group, means associated with each of said circuit interrupters and being responsive to a predetermined circuit condition in said arrangement for shifting to alternate tripping characteristics those or said circuit interrupters located between said tripped one of said circuit interrupters and said tie circuit breaker', said tie circuit breaker having a tripping characteristic so related to the normal tripping characteristics of said second group of circuit interrupters and said alternate tripping characteristics ot those of said shifted circuit interrupters such that tripping of circuit nterrupters closer to said second source will occur with a longer time delay than will tripping of circuit interrupters closer to said tripped one of said circuit interrupters and located on the second source side thereof; said tie circuit breaker and said circuit interrupters being of the automatic reclosing type.

5. A loop sectionalizing arrangement comprising at least a first and a second bus, a iirst and a second automatic recloser type circuit breaker means connected to the respective buses for dividing said buses into a plurality or bus sections, a normally open automatic recloser tie circuit interrupter means which when closed connects said buses in electrical series, each of said circuit breaker means inluding devices for establishing operation under a normal and an alternate tripping characteristic, means connected to said iirst bus and responsive to a condition created by a fault on said first bus for closing said tie circuit interrupter means and shifting operation or" circuit breaker means located between said fault and said interrupter means from operation under said normal tripping characteristic to operation under said alternate tripping characteristic means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions in said arrangement to open a shifted one of said circuit brea ters adjacent said faulted section whereby the section of bus having said fault is isolated and all remaining sections of bus remain energized.

6. A loop sectionalizing arrangement comprisingl at least a first and a second bus, a normally open circuit interrupter which when closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normally closed circuit breaker connected to said tirst and said second buses, respectively, intermediate the ends thereof, each of said circuit breakers being ot the automatic reciosing type and having means for establishing normal and alternate time delay tripping characteristics, said circuit interrupter being of the automatic reclosing type having a time delay tripping characteristic whose tripping time interval is less than the tripping time intervals of said normal tripping time characteristics and greater than the time intervals of said alternate tripping time characteristics, first means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions in said arrangement for closing said circuit interrupter, and second means associated with said circuit breakers responsive to predetermined circuit conditions in said arrangement for shifting operation of atleast a selected one of said circuit breakers from operation under its normal tripping characteristic to operation under its alternate tripping characistic whereby a faulted section of bus is isolated and all other bus sections remain energized.

7. The loop sectionalizing arrangement of claim 5 wherein said means for shifting operation of said circuit breaker means from normal to alternate tripping characteristics is responsive to a loss of voltage in said loop sectionalizing arrangement.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,740,447 Bauch Dec. 24, 1929 1,795,198 Connell Mar. 3, 1931 2,172,950 Anderson Sept. l2, 1939 2,506,546 Farrell i May 2, 1950 

1. A LOOP SECTIONALIZING ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING AT LEAST A FIRST AND A SECOND GROUP OF SERIALLY CONNECTED CIRCUIT BREAKERS; A NORMALLY OPEN CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER HAVING MEANS FOR SERIALLY CONNECTING SAID GROUPS WHEN CLOSED; EACH OF SAID CIRCUIT BREAKERS HAVING FIRST AND SECOND TRIPPING MEANS, SAID FIRST TRIPPING MEANS HAVING A NORMAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC AND SAID SECOND TRIPPING MEANS HAVING AN ALTERNATE TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC; SAID NORMAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE CIRCUIT BREAKERS OF EACH GROUP LOCATED CLOSER TO SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER HAVING SHORTER TRIPPING TIMES THAN THOSE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITHIN THE SAME GROUP LOCATED MORE REMOTE FROM SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER; SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER INCLUDING FURTHER MEANS FOR THE AUTOMATIC CLOSING THEREOF UPON A LOSS OF VOLTAGE IN SAID ARRANGEMENTS DUE TO THE TRIPPING OF ONE OF SAID CIRCUIT BREAKERS; AND MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH CIRCUIT BREAKER BEING RESPONSIVE TO PREDETERMINED CIRCUIT CONDITIONS OF SAID ARRANGEMENT FOR SHIFTING FOR OPERATION TO THEIR ALTERNATE TRIPPING TIME CHARACTERISTICS, THOSE OF SAID CIRCUIT BREAKERS LOCATED BETWEEN SAID TRIPPED ONE OF SAID CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER, SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER HAVING A TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC SUCH THAT THE TRIPPING TIME OF SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER IS SHORTER THAN THE NORMAL TRIPPING TIMES AND LONGER THAN THE ALTERNATE TRIPPING TIMES OF SAID CIRCUIT BREAKERS, SAID ALTERNATE TRIPPING CHARACTERISTICS BEING SUCH THAT WITHIN EACH OF SAID GROUPS THE ALTERNATE TRIPPING TIMES OF THOSE CIRCUIT BREAKERS CLOSER TO SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER ARE LONGER THAN THE ALTERNATE TRIPPING TIMES OF THOSE CIRCUIT BREAKERS LOCATED MORE REMOTE FROM SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER. 